Top five pandemics we human beings are facing today

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the top five pandemics or incurable infectious diseases currently affecting humanity. Participants explore the definitions of "pandemic" and "epidemic," and the focus shifts towards the most deadly infectious diseases, particularly those caused by viruses.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the existence of a current pandemic, suggesting that AIDS is still classified as an epidemic in Africa rather than a pandemic.
  • Another participant clarifies that the inquiry is about the five most deadly incurable infectious diseases.
  • It is proposed that the most significant threats would be viral diseases, as bacterial infections can often be treated effectively if caught early.
  • Participants suggest AIDS, influenza, and hepatitis B as potential candidates for the top three deadly diseases, emphasizing the importance of how long a virus allows its host to live for further transmission.
  • A later reply discusses Ebola, noting its high mortality rate but also its rapid lethality, which limits its spread compared to other viruses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of pandemic versus epidemic, and there is no consensus on the specific diseases that should be included in the top five list. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the classification and ranking of these diseases.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the definitions used by participants, and the discussion does not resolve the criteria for what constitutes a pandemic versus an epidemic. Additionally, the selection of diseases is based on subjective criteria that may vary among participants.

Jin S Zhang
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What are top five pandemics that can't be cured today?
 
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I don't think there is any current pandemic. Even the rampant AIDS infection rate in Africa is still considered an epidemic rather than a pandemic.

Did you really mean "pandemic" or did you just want to know something more like the 5 most deadly incurable infectious or communicable diseases?
 
Yeah, 5 most deadly incurable infectious diseases.
 
They would all be viruses, since we can cure most bacterial infections if detected and treated early enough. They would also have to all be viruses without a good vaccine, since even an "incurable" virus can't harm you if you are immunized to it.

I would probably say: AIDS, influenza, hepatitis B for the top three. I don't know past that.

A virus like ebola has no known cure and something like a 90% mortality rate, but it is not that deadly in an epidemiological sense because it kills it's host so quickly. The most deadly viruses are ones like AIDS and influenza which leave the host alive for a long time so they can infect many more people.
 
Last edited:
Ebola is one evil SOB. Jin, I must ask, after seeing your last two posts, are you a mad scientist? Just giving you a hard time.
 

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